“When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”-Ben Franklin

When asked by a woman what sort of government had just been created, Frankin famously replied: “It’s a Republic if you can keep it.”

Last week, I had the great good fortune to attend a number of panels on money in politics at Netroots Nation (NN12) including the panel composed of Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) along with Trevor Potter (former council to Presidents Reagan and Bush cum comedy sensation), and Becky Bond of CREDO. The panel was moderated by former Congressman Tom Periello (D-VA).

I have always believed that despite the goodness of individuals, there is an inner Nazi lurking within every nation, snarling for its late-night human snack. The Senators confirmed my worst fears.